Alderman Edwards Supplies Gifts for Graduates

Dozens of graduating students in Districts 160, 144, 227 and 228 received a variety of gifts on graduation day, thanks to the efforts of Country Club Hills Ward 1 Alderman John Edwards and the generosity of Ward 1 businesses.

Edwards, a retired college professor and lecturer, spent many years as an educator and made academic achievement of students an ongoing goal in life. This is the third year he has raised gifts for graduating students.

“The future of our communities depends on young people getting a good education to qualify for good paying jobs or to become entrepreneurs to produce jobs for themselves,” Edwards said. “Through education, we decrease crime and violence in our communities and create neighborhoods that are safe and decent places to live.”

He said businesses in the Walmart shopping plaza were happy to donate gift cards, free services and steep discounts. Participating businesses include Walmart, Beauty & Barber Suites, Dock’s Fish and Marcus Theaters. Alderman Edwards also contributed funds to purchase gifts.

Jessica Watson, Rich Township District 227 intern, received gifts for her school. “It shows the commitment the alderman has to support our district and students. It opens opportunities for our graduates that they normally wouldn’t receive. We appreciate his compassion for our students, parents and teachers in general,” she said.

Brandi Mathis, college and career counselor for Hillcrest High School, agreed. “The alderman has a big heart and is dedicated to the schools, parents and students. It’s very admirable of him to go to the different businesses and solicit them for anything for us because he doesn’t have to do that. It helps us to reward our students things that are not within our budget.”